SHARK ATTACKS IN THE U.S.

According to the International Shark Attack File, throughout the U.S., Florida has maintained the title in having the most shark attacks annually. Out of the total 32 attacks, 16 were reported in Florida in 2018, serving as more than half in the U.S. However, this is much lower than recent reports showing about 25 attacks on average in Florida per year. Followed by this are Hawaii, North Carolina, and South Carolina with a much lower 3 unprovoked attacks; New York and Massachusetts had only 2 attacks each. Out of all the states with attacks, single attacks occurred in California, Georgia, and Texas. With all attacks combined, only one resulted in a fatality taking place in Massachusetts. This was the first fatal attack in the U.S. in three years.

Individuals engaging in water sports such as surfing and board sports have consistently maintained being a target for the majority of attacks, totaling in 53%. Shark attacks tend to happen near shore or in the “surf zone” because that is where their natural prey live, such as turtles, fish, and seals. Due to this outcome, studies suggest that due to the shaping of a board with two arms hanging by the sides, the animal misinterprets surfers for their prey. Sharks sense electric fields generated by activity in the water, therefore the second most frequent attacks occur while individuals are splashing around or paddling in the water, alike surfers but without a board. Incidents also include people snorkeling/free diving (6%), scuba diving (5%), and lastly, body surfing and shallow-water activities (3%).

The number of attacks varied throughout the years of 2007–2018. The year with the lowest number of attacks was reported in 2011 with 31 in the U.S. with no fatalities. 2015 took the cake for the highest number of attacks with a whopping 59 and one fatality. 48% of attacks worldwide took place in 2018 in the U.S., exemplifying a massive decrease with only 32 reported cases, versus the 2017 report representing 60% worldwide and 53 attacks.